What Makes the 2022 BMW X5 the Right Luxury SUV for You?
Not many models in the midsize luxury SUV market can offer a pleasant driving experience and the flexibility you need, but the 2022 BMW X5 can. This middle model is the family member who refuses to live in the shadow because it always shows up to let you know how good it is. Whether you admire the handsome packaging, the effortless versatility, or the dynamic driving qualities, there’s something that appeals to everyone about the BMW X5.
You’ll find a complete package in the 2022 BMW X5
The X5 reaches a level of completeness that allows it to win the Editors’ Choice Award from Car and Driver for its class. This publication team tells us, “This luxury SUV isn’t as plush in the cabin as the Genesis GV80, it’s not nearly as athletic as the Porsche Cayenne, but the well-roundedness shines when compared to the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.” Considering the company this Beemer keeps, these words are high praise, making the X5 a healthy choice for many drivers.
BMW is evolving and using the X5 for this process
If you haven’t seen the hybrid version of the BMW X5 before, you can now. This model is the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid which achieves 50 MPGe. This hybrid can save a lot of money at the pump, but that’s not all of the BMW evolutions. According to Kelley Blue Book, this brand is working on tires that use a blend of rubber cultivated with rayon to be sustainable. These tires are offered for the 22-inch wheels but could become widespread through the BMW model lineup in the future.
What features do you find in this luxury SUV?
The list of options and upgrades for the BMW X5 is extremely long, so we’ll stick to the base model to give you an idea of where you’ll start.
sDRive40i
- Full adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic moonroof
- Keyless entry
- Push-button starting
- 12.3-inch digital driver information display
- Self-dimming driver’s-side mirror
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Heated/power-adjustable sport front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Ambient cabin lighting
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Front/rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Two USB ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Satellite radio
- Navigation
That’s an impressive list of items to get you going. You can quickly move to the xDrive40i model by checking the box for AWD, but other upgrades take you to higher trims for more equipment and a higher price tag.
How much does the BMW X5 cost?
The starting price for the X5 is $60,600, with the AWD version adding $2,300 to the price tag. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model is priced a little below $64,000. Moving to the M50i, you’ll pay $82,800, and the X5 M reaches $106,000, with the Competition package adding $9,300 to that price.
Comparatively, the Porsche Cayenne starts at $69,000, the Audi Q7 begins at around $57,000, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starts at $55,000.
This BMW luxury SUV is a highly capable vehicle
How many midsize SUVs can tow 7,200 pounds or more? You might think of the Dodge Durango or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class for this tow rating, and you’d be right. One caveat to both of those models, you must have the V8 engine to reach this towing number. The BMW X5 gives you at least 7,200 pounds of towing across the board.
What don’t we like about the BMW X5?
Did you notice that massive price jump when you move to the M50i or X5 M models? That is the first of the drawbacks to this BMW. Also, the third-row seat is small and can be tight, but it is just as roomy as other midsize three-row crossovers.
Should you drive the 2022 BMW X5?
If you want a luxury SUV that does many things right, the X5 is an excellent option for you. Stick with the V6 or hybrid powertrains, and you won’t reach the massive price increase that comes with the V8 engine lineup. On the other hand, if you need more room in the third row or want to spend a little less, the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class are more affordable options.
